IPHC-2025-MR-010 2025 Fecundity Study Request for Tender

SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to charter a longline vessel to conduct a fecundity study starting as early as July 2025 in IPHC Charter Region Charlotte.

The primary purpose of this study is to collect fecundity samples from female Pacific halibut greater than 90 centimeters prior to spawning.

Vessels need not be licensed for Pacific halibut fishing in Canada or the USA to be eligible. The IPHC is not restricted as to the nationality of the vessels it charters for operation in any region, provided customs and immigration regulations are followed. Fish caught and retained for sale during this study will be sold in Canada.

One to two IPHC Secretariat staff will be deployed aboard the vessel along with two motion compensated platform scales — one larger scale with a cradle and a second smaller scale to weigh fecundity samples. Biological sampling will include the collection of length, weight, genetic samples (fin clips), age data (otoliths) and whole gonad and liver weights. Sublegal fish will not be retained.

Both snap gear & fixed gear longline vessels are encouraged to bid on this study.

Vessels are encouraged to submit bids based on a study comprising of 300 skates total. There are no limitations (minimum/maximum) on number of skates per set.

Interested vessel owners are invited to submit tenders based upon the 2025 Fecundity Pilot Study Tender Specifications. The Tender Specifications and Vessel Tender Forms for this project may be accessed directly from the IPHC website: Vessel Recruiting | IPHC.

Initial review of bid submissions will take place on 7 July 2025 and the request for tender will remain open until filled. In order to be considered in the initial review, submissions must be completed no later than 23:59 (Pacific) on 6 July 2025.

Vessels will be rated using the following criteria:

1) seaworthiness and general condition of the vessel and its equipment

2) the vessel’s availability within the schedule determined solely by the IPHC Secretariat

3) the vessel captain’s experience and fishing record

4) the qualifications of the selected crew

5) IPHC operating costs (tender amounts)

6) previous interactions with the IPHC and its Secretariat, experience with the IPHC FISS, scheduling flexibility, and ability to take Secretariat staff are other factors to be potentially considered in the decision-making process.